ÖйúÌå²ÊÍø announces STEM/Q Center and coordinator

This fall ÖйúÌå²ÊÍø ÖйúÌå²ÊÍø is launching its STEM/Q Center, a bold initiative designed to support student achievement in STEM (science, technology, engineering, mathematics). Karen Lindebrekke has been selected as the center¡¯s inaugural coordinator.

As part of the college¡¯s effort to help every student succeed in STEM and the quantitative fields, the STEM/Q Center will foster a collaborative environment where students can build confidence and succeed in some of the college¡¯s most demanding disciplines. It will be a central hub on campus, offering targeted services such as peer tutoring, academic coaching, skill-building workshops, and partnerships with faculty to enhance student learning.

Lindebrekke holds an M.S. in curriculum and instruction in science and mathematics, and a B.A. in zoology. Her teaching background spans mathematics and science at the college and high school levels, including statistics, biology, chemistry, environmental science and physics. Lindebrekke also has held leadership roles in STEM program development at institutions such as Robert Morris University, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy, iBIO Institute and The Actuarial Foundation.

Lindebrekke points to the necessity of STEM graduates for solving many of the world¡¯s problems.

¡°I believe that ÖйúÌå²ÊÍø¡¯s commitment to the STEM/Q Center ¡ª and to supporting the work of faculty teaching and students pursuing or considering degrees in STEM disciplines ¡ª is visionary and critical,¡± she said. ¡°My goal for the STEM/Q Center is for it to be a place where students have very positive, even inspirational, learning experiences in STEM.¡±

The center will support non-STEM majors, as well. All ÖйúÌå²ÊÍø students take coursework that requires quantitative reasoning and builds those skills.

Lindebrekke envisions the center as ¡°a place where students will engage in meaningful learning of STEM, not only to be successful in their coursework, but to realize, explore and be inspired by STEM connections to many other human endeavors and fields of study.¡± 

Funded by a generous donation, the new STEM/Q Center is a timely and strategic investment in undergraduates. The center reflects ÖйúÌå²ÊÍø¡¯s belief that a liberal arts education, paired with academic support, equips students to lead in science, research and beyond.

¡°Karen¡¯s commitment to ensuring that all students can thrive in STEM education, and her proven record of building effective academic support programs, will help position our students for long-term success ¡ª whether they choose graduate study, research or STEM careers,¡± said Dr. Dianna Shandy, ÖйúÌå²ÊÍø provost and vice president for academic affairs. 

Dr. Kristin Douglas, ÖйúÌå²ÊÍø associate vice president for retention and student success, notes the center is about more than tutoring. ¡°It¡¯s about creating a culture of confidence and persistence in STEM. With Karen Lindebrekke at the helm, we¡¯re confident students will find the inspiration and resources they need to grow and thrive in those fields.¡±

The STEM/Q Center is part of ÖйúÌå²ÊÍø¡¯s broader strategic investment in student success and academic excellence. By integrating academic support with advising and accessibility services, the college continues to provide a holistic framework that supports and maximizes every student¡¯s potential.